Introduction to Radioactive Minerals [Paperback]

Robert Lauf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2007

Collectors have long admired uranium and thorium minerals for their brilliant colors, intense ultraviolet fluorescence, and rich variety of habits and associates. Radioactive minerals are also critically important as our source of nuclear energy. Understanding them is crucial to the safe disposal of radioactive waste. This book provides a systematic overview of the mineralogy of uranium and thorium, generously illustrated with nearly 200 color photos and electron micrographs of representative specimens. Includes an historical discussion of the discovery of radioactive elements and the development of uranium and thorium ore deposits, a discussion of the geochemical conditions that produce significant deposits, and a description of important localities, their geological setting and history. Major occurrences of interest to mineral collectors are arranged geographically. The minerals are arranged systematically, to emphasize how they fit into chemical groups, and for each group a few minerals are selected to illustrate their formation and general characteristics. With the resurgence of interest in nuclear power, this book is an invaluable guide for mineral collectors as well as nuclear scientists and engineers interested in radioactive deposits.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (December 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076432912X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764329128
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #662,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Rocks & Minerals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to Radioactive Minerals, March 26, 2011

By 

danfinrud - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Introduction to Radioactive Minerals (Paperback)

A nice book with Plenty of pictures of Radioactive Minerals. Most people do not have a way to detect if they have minerals that are radioactive. Nor do they want the minerals in the home. Here a collector can see what they look like.
Having a listing of Locals for various minerals is also a very handy Item to those who are going rock collecting. If you are in the general area of some sources those interested could go seek out a nice sample for their collection
The 6 page appendix called Checklist of Radioactive Minerals includes what group the are in, The Chemical Formula, Color and UV Fluorescent color. For those collecting radioactive minerals it is a much needed Listing.
I think those interested in Rock collecting can really enjoy the information and the way it is presented in this book. A good resource for any rock collector.

5.0 out of 5 stars Right to the last detail, November 27, 2010

By 

MikeSNJ (Vernon Valley, NJ) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Introduction to Radioactive Minerals (Paperback)

Great photography. Explains the subject in great detail. Is great for finding collecting locales. Covers common sense safety precautions. One should have a good basic knowledge of rocks and minerals and the collecting hobby before jumping into this book. Is an advanced subject that requires careful study and caution in pursuing.